Living with Freckles.

So, much to the bewilderment of Fred, I am still sticking to my efforts to be more conscientious about what it is that I’m using my body in terms of cosmetics and hygiene.  For the two of you out there that read my posting/ranting about freckles and such I have updates on products that I’ve been using.

1- Facial Scrub.  Previously I religiously used St. Ives Apricot Scrub.  I’ve used it for years.  It’s a great exfoliater and left my skin looking fresh.  (Exfoliater is not a word… it should be. ) I loved it, but since it was messing with my brain via hormones and toxins I have switched to Burt’s Bees Peach & Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub.

Initially I worried that it left my face feeling like it had a little bit too much oil on it; however, after two weeks of use, I’m not breaking out, my skin still has that fresh look and I’m learning that maybe I was over drying my skin with the other product.  It’s reasonably priced, available at Target, ShopKo and Hy-Vee and I’m happy.

2- Foundation or in my case, Tinted Moisturizer with SPF.  Previously I was completely in love with Clinique Moisture Sheer Tint.  I have replaced it with Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Orgin Tinted Moisturizer, SPF 15.

This was a tough one for me.  Initial searches for a comprable product left me freaking out about $40 for foundation that still needed a layer of sunscreen added.  I started thinking… 6 isn’t so bad… even 7 out of 0-10 wasn’t disasterous; maybe I’d stick with Clinique.

Organic Wear is a new line from Physicians Formula, a brand I’ve not been fond of in the past.  Now I have to say that they’ve stepped up their game.  This product is half what I spent on Clinique’s version, works well, stays all day and has really met with my expectations.

It feels a bit different going on (shake well for sure).  In dry spots it soaks right in, and the rest needs to move around a little.  I’ve been getting the matte not-at all shiny look I like with a light dusting of their Organic Wear Pressed Powder.  I’ve even started using their eye shadows on a day to day basis.  If I were to use a darker tint my freckles would even be hidden.

Again, this line of organic, natural origin products is readily available where Physicians Formula stuff is sold.  Look for the Organic Wear leaf covered packaging.

3- Toothpaste.  Ugh.  Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Toothpaste.  I bought the Whole Care version in my commitment to find equivalent products to what I was previously using.  Cost was a little higher, but not nuts.  I am not fond of the taste… or the after taste that lingers; however, both Fred and I agree that it works well and leaves your mouth feeling really clean in a way that is lasting.

I started this whole thing out by saying that buying and using better products was going to cost me a fortune, but I’ve been really surprised in a good way to find that some companies are really stepping up to the plate.  More things are available than I thought I’d find and on the beaten path.  I’m not running all over kingdom-come to buy my face wash.

Now bear in mind that I’m not throwing away products I’d had purchased already, so this is an ongoing slow transition to the not so dark side.  As products run out I am replacing them with better alternatives.  I dread the day that my deodorant/antiperspirant is done.  Dove, I will miss you in my underarm.

Here are those websites again.

http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/

http://www.safecosmetics.org/

Says me.

S.